Mr RUDD (Leader of the Opposition) (3:23 PM) —Mr Speaker, I join with what you and the Prime Minister have said about Brian Walshe. In the period that I have been in this place, his friendship, courtesy, civility and just plain helpfulness with assisting members and others around this building is without parallel. On behalf of members of the parliamentary Labor Party, Brian, you are going to be very much missed in this place. You are regarded on our side of the House and, I am sure, by government members as someone who will never ever say that any request we put is too hard or difficult to manage. You have always been exceptionally kind in your response to such requests. Leaving aside your own problems in being a Collingwood supporter, we join with the Prime Minister in wishing you and your family all the best in your retirement.

Honourable members—Hear, hear!